Hello and welcome to Better Help! I want to commend you for reaching out for help. This is often a major, yet courageous step one can make!
My name is Vanessa Banks, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Criminal Justice, from Howard University in 2015. I have worked in many different settings with adults and youth, who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, trauma/abuse, substance use, and more. For almost ten years, I have worked fiercely to support and engage marginalized persons and communities; while affirming their stories, and existence within and against systems. While anchoring myself within strengths-based, existential and person-centered approaches, I have a great passion in fostering healing within individuals. Throughout many years of experience, I learned the power of listening and how it aids in developing and building transformative platforms and bridges for some of the most challenging experiences and environments such as substance use, depression, anxiety, poverty, and community violence.
As your therapist, I hope to help to facilitate your own encounter with yourself and working alongside you as you explore values, assumptions, and ideals. This is a space where you can be your authentic self without judgement. You have started your journey towards healing, allow me to join you as your support.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD
MD LCSW-C 26264
DC LICSW LC50082342
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Vanessa Banks. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I am so thankful I found Vanessa through BetterHelp. She helped me tremendously work through crippling stress and anxiety pertaining to my toxic work environment as well as family troubles that had never been dealt with for years. I can’t say enough good things about how she helped me feel more in control of my mental Health and will always be thankful for the tools she instilled in me. Very responsive and a great listener.
Written on Mar 10, 2021 after therapy with Vanessa for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Vanessa is truly this the best! She has been and continues to be instrumental in helping me to think critically about who I am and who I want to be. She is incredibly responsive and supportive, and utilizes a variety of strategies during our sessions. I can’t say enough about her! So excited to have found her via BetterHelp.
Written on Aug 02, 2020 after therapy with Vanessa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse